Once again, the political landscape of Ekiti has been enveloped in drama, intrigue, and the familiar aroma of controversy. The recently concluded party primaries in anticipation of the 2026 governorship election have left many questioning whether Nigeria’s democracy is evolving or merely disguising itself under a veil of manipulation.
By the deadline of November 10th established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the major political parties had finalized their primaries. However, the events that unfolded in Ekiti State resembled less a democratic competition and more a meticulously orchestrated coronation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged without opposition after his rivals were either disqualified or conveniently withdrew. The so-called consensus was anything but consensual. Insiders within the party suggest that the letters of withdrawal were not voluntary but rather obtained through political coercion, ensuring Oyebanji’s unimpeded path to the nomination.
Critics highlight the APC constitution and the Electoral Act, which stipulate that written consent from all aspirants is necessary for a consensus to be valid. If even one aspirant declines, the law mandates a proper primary election. It appears that none of this transpired. “What occurred was not a primary; it was a coronation,” lamented one disgruntled member.
For many, this incident reveals the troubling undercurrents of internal party politics, a system crafted to elevate the chosen few rather than empower those willing to serve. This is not the first instance in which the APC has been accused of such practices. From Benue to Lagos, the party’s inclination towards selective democracy has incited discontent and legal disputes. The situation in Ekiti merely perpetuates that tradition under a new guise.
However, the opposition is not significantly better. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) succeeded in nominating Dr. Wole Oluyede as its candidate, but the process was tainted by protests, absent delegates, and deep-seated divisions. The party, still embroiled in a leadership struggle between the Damagum and Anyanwu factions, appears too fragmented to present a united front.
With eight months remaining until the governorship election, the competition appears decidedly uneven. Oyebanji’s securing of the APC nomination, along with the disarray within the opposition, positions him as the unmistakable leader in the race. His enduring connections with Ekiti’s political elite, combined with his administrative expertise, furnish him with both a solid framework and a strategic approach.
However, beneath this surface tranquility lies a perilous sense of complacency. When elections become predictable, the health of democracy begins to deteriorate. In the absence of credible opposition, accountability diminishes, and citizens begin to feel detached from their role in governance.
Consequently, Ekiti’s 2026 election may hinge less on the identity of the victor and more on the losses incurred by Nigeria each time party primaries devolve into mere performances rather than genuine assessments of democratic resilience.
